Outbound dialer and messaging system and user interface for group messaging

ABSTRACT

An enterprise communication computing device for initiating communication between groups of computing devices may be provided. The communication device may include a processor in communication with memory and may include an interface having modules for telephonic and text-based communication. The processor may generate an interface with icons representative of corresponding modules. The processor may receive selections of icons and may initiate selected modules. The processor may receive user input defining content and recipients and may generate an input field enabling entry of response options. The processor may receive user input of the options and may format the options to generate a response-request portion of the message in a drop-down menu. The processor may transmit the message to each recipient including the content and the response-request. Receipt of the message may cause recipient computing devices to display the response options. The processor may receive a response message including a selected response.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to unified multi-function enterprisecommunication systems, and, more specifically, to network-based systemsand methods for single point-of-entry communication command and controlfor communication broadcasting, propagation, and response based uponuser and group aliases.

BACKGROUND

In large communities or enterprise environments, the dissemination ofinformation to individuals or groups of individuals may requiremaintaining or periodically updating contact information. Contactinformation for designated recipients in some cases may be outdated. Insome cases, such as in emergency and/or disaster relief situations,multiple channels of communication may be needed to ensure thatimportant messages, such as, for example, emergency alert messages, arereceived by a large number of individuals in a timely and secure manner.In addition, maintaining and transmitting private contact informationmay require heightened security measures to maintain privacy. In somecases, the communication may require conformance with regulatoryrequirements such as the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. For example,individuals who do not wish to receive alerts (e.g., have opted out ofalerts) may need to be proactively excluded from receiving anycommunication.

In cases where mass groups of individuals need to be notified,determining which individuals need to be contacted may require acquiringinformation from multiple sources. In some cases, manual operation of amass notification system may be required. For some known massnotification systems, a notification message (e.g., alert) may requiremanual input of each recipient's contact information. Some massnotification systems may be limited to unidirectional messages oflimited content. These mass notification systems may not allowrecipients to respond, thereby requiring the recipient to use alternatemethods to initiate a response. Accordingly, there exists a need for acommunication system that enables bilateral communication, in real time,with mass groups of individuals without compromising the security ofeach individual's contact information.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present embodiments may relate to systems and methods for providingmulti-function enterprise communications using user and group aliases.In one embodiment, the enterprise communication system uses anenterprise communication computing device to communicate with recipientcomputing devices based upon a unique, non-telephonic-based recipientcomputing device identifier associated with each recipient computingdevice.

In one aspect the enterprise communication (“EC”) computing device mayinclude a processor in communication with a memory device and acommunication interface. The communication interface includes aplurality of modules including a telephonic communication module forcellular telephonic communication with remote computing devices. Thecommunication interface also includes a text-based messaging module forcellular text-based communication with remote computing devices.

The EC processor may be programmed to (i) generate a user interface forexecution on the enterprise communication computing device, the userinterface including a display with a plurality of icons, each iconrepresentative of a corresponding module of the plurality of modules,(ii) receive, from within the user interface executed on the enterprisecommunication computing device, a user selection of a first icon of theplurality of icons, the first icon representative of a first module ofplurality of modules (iii) execute the first module represented by theselected first icon, (iv) receive user input defining a content messageto be sent using the first module and including one or more useridentifiers identifying a respective one or more intended recipients ofthe content message to be sent, (v) generate an input field enablinguser entry of a plurality of response options, each response optionresponsive to content of the content message to be sent, (vi) receiveuser input of the plurality of response options, (vii) format theplurality of response options to generate a response-request portion ofthe content message to be sent including the plurality of responseoptions in a drop-down menu, (viii) transmit, via the first module, thecontent message to a respective recipient computing device associatedwith each intended recipient, the content message including the contentand the response-request portion, wherein receipt of the content messageat a recipient computing device causes the recipient computing device todisplay the drop-down menu including the plurality of response optionswithin a respective user interface of the recipient computing device,and (ix) receive, from one or more of the recipient computing devices, aresponse message including a selected response option from the pluralityof response options. The EC computing device may be configured toinclude additional, less, or alternate functionality, including thatdiscussed elsewhere herein.

In another aspect, a method for initiating communication between a groupof computing devices may be provided. The method may be implementedusing an enterprise communication computing device including a processorin communication with a memory device and a communication interface, thecommunication interface including a plurality of modules including (i) atelephonic communication module for cellular telephonic communicationwith remote computing devices, and (ii) a text-based messaging modulefor cellular text-based communication with remote computing devices.

The method may include (i) generating a user interface for execution onthe enterprise communication computing device, the user interfaceincluding a display with a plurality of icons, each icon representativeof a corresponding module of the plurality of modules, (ii) receiving,from within the user interface executed on the enterprise communicationcomputing device, a user selection of a first icon of the plurality oficons, the first icon representative of a first module of plurality ofmodules, (iii) executing the first module represented by the selectedfirst icon, (iv) receiving user input defining a content message to besent using the first module and including one or more user identifiersidentifying a respective one or more intended recipients of the contentmessage to be sent, (v) generating an input field enabling user entry ofa plurality of response options, each response option responsive tocontent of the content message to be sent, (vi) receiving user input ofthe plurality of response options, (vii) formatting the plurality ofresponse options to generate a response-request portion of the contentmessage to be sent including the plurality of response options in adrop-down menu, (viii) transmitting, via the first module, the contentmessage to a respective recipient computing device associated with eachintended recipient, the content message including the content and theresponse-request portion, wherein receipt of the content message at arecipient computing device causes the recipient computing device todisplay the drop-down menu including the plurality of response optionswithin a respective user interface of the recipient computing device,and (ix) receiving, from one or more of the recipient computing devices,a response message including a selected response option from theplurality of response options. The computer-implemented method mayinclude additional, less, or alternate functionality, including thosediscussed elsewhere herein.

In a further aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium thatincludes computer-executable instructions may be provided. When executedby an enterprise communication computing device including at least oneprocessor in communication with at least one memory device and acommunication interface, the communication interface including aplurality of modules including (i) a telephonic communication module forcellular telephonic communication with remote computing devices, and(ii) a text-based messaging module for cellular text-based communicationwith remote computing devices, the executable instructions may cause theat least one processor to (i) generate a user interface for execution onthe enterprise communication computing device, the user interfaceincluding a display with a plurality of icons, each icon representativeof a corresponding module of the plurality of modules, (ii) receive,from within the user interface executed on the enterprise communicationcomputing device, a user selection of a first icon of the plurality oficons, the first icon representative of a first module of plurality ofmodules, (iii) execute the first module represented by the selectedfirst icon, (iv) receive user input defining a content message to besent using the first module and including one or more user identifiersidentifying a respective one or more intended recipients of the contentmessage to be sent, (v) generate an input field enabling user entry of aplurality of response options, each response option responsive tocontent of the content message to be sent, (vi) receive user input ofthe plurality of response options, (vii) format the plurality ofresponse options to generate a response-request portion of the contentmessage to be sent including the plurality of response options in adrop-down menu, (viii) transmit, via the first module, the contentmessage to a respective recipient computing device associated with eachintended recipient, the content message including the content and theresponse-request portion, wherein receipt of the content message at arecipient computing device causes the recipient computing device todisplay the drop-down menu including the plurality of response optionswithin a respective user interface of the recipient computing device,and (ix) receive, from one or more of the recipient computing devices, aresponse message including a selected response option from the pluralityof response options. The computer-readable medium may includeadditional, less, or alternate actions, including those discussedelsewhere herein.

Advantages will become more apparent to those skilled in the art fromthe following description of the preferred embodiments which have beenshown and described by way of illustration. As will be realized, thepresent embodiments may be capable of other and different embodiments,and their details are capable of modification in various respects.Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded asillustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The Figures described below depict various aspects of the systems andmethods disclosed therein. It should be understood that each Figuredepicts an embodiment of a particular aspect of the disclosed systemsand methods, and that each of the Figures is intended to accord with apossible embodiment thereof. Further, wherever possible, the followingdescription refers to the reference numerals included in the followingFigures, in which features depicted in multiple Figures are designatedwith consistent reference numerals.

There are shown in the drawings arrangements which are presentlydiscussed, it being understood, however, that the present embodimentsare not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown,wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a view of an exemplary embodiment of an enterprisecommunication system for enabling communication between an enterprisecommunication (“EC”) computing device and recipient computing devicesbased upon unique, non-telephonic-based recipient computing deviceidentifiers associated with each recipient computing device.

FIG. 2 depicts another exemplary configuration of an enterprisecommunication system.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary flow diagram illustrating a process between anadministrator and the EC computing device for transmitting a message toa group of recipients in real time.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary flow diagram illustrating a process between arecipient and the EC computing device for receiving a message from anadministrator on a recipient computing device in real time.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary user interface for logging into orotherwise accessing an app associated with or executed by the ECcomputing device.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary user interface for selecting acommunication module by an administrator for a communication message, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary user interface for selecting acommunication type by an administrator for a communication message, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates another exemplary user interface for selecting acommunication type by an administrator for a communication message, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary user interface of a two-way radiocommunication between an administrator and a recipient via the two-wayradio communication module.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary user interface for viewing settingsassociated with an app implementing enterprise communicationfunctionality on the EC computing device.

FIG. 11 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary computer-implementedprocess implemented by the EC computing device enabling communicationwith recipient computing devices based upon unique, non-telephonic-basedrecipient computing device identifiers associated with each recipientcomputing device.

FIG. 12 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary computer-implementedprocess implemented by the EC computing device enabling communicationbetween the EC computing device and recipient computing devices basedupon unique, non-telephonic-based recipient computing device identifiersassociated with each recipient computing device.

FIG. 13 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary computer-implementedprocess implemented by the EC computing device.

FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary configuration of the EC computingdevice in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 depicts an exemplary configuration of a central server computingdevice in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

The Figures depict preferred embodiments for purposes of illustrationonly. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the followingdiscussion that alternative embodiments of the systems and methodsillustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principlesof the invention described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present embodiments may relate to, inter alia, improved systems andmethods for enabling communication between an enterprise communication(“EC”) computing device and recipient computing devices based upon (i) arecipient computing device identifier associated with a user's (e.g., anintended recipient) computing device (e.g., a recipient computingdevice), and (ii) a user identifier (e.g., a recipient identifier, analias, etc.) associated with the user (e.g., recipient). In theexemplary embodiment, both the recipient computing device identifier andthe user identifier are unique, non-telephonic-based identifiers. Therecipient computing device identifier may be a mobile equipmentidentifier (“MEID”) associated with the recipient computing device. Theuser identifier may be an alias registered with the recipient, such as ausername.

The systems and methods described herein overcome the deficiencies ofother known systems. In one exemplary embodiment, the process may beperformed by an EC computing device. The EC computing device may enablea user, such as an administrator (e.g., a human communicationadministrator, an emergency service provider or alert system, anartificial intelligence (“AI”) system, and/or an administrator of anorganization) to efficiently determine communication groups having atleast one intended message recipient. The EC computing device mayidentify the intended recipients using an alias or unique identifier,thereby eliminating the need to use personally identifying information(“PII”), such as telephone numbers.

In the exemplary embodiment, the administrator may wish to send acontent message (e.g., a communication message, an alert, an alertmessage, etc.) to one or more intended recipients. The administrator mayprovide the EC computing device with the content message and one or morerecipient identifiers. The EC computing device may transmit thedetermined message inputted and/or selected by the administrator to theintended recipients. In some embodiments, the administrator may includepre-determined responses, or “request-responses,” (e.g. responseoptions) to transmit with the message. The intended recipients mayselect, from the response options, a response, and may relay theresponse back to the EC computing device for display to theadministrator and/or for recordation purposes. In some embodiments, theEC computing device may aggregate responses from multiple recipientsinto a visual format such as a pie chart, bar chart, or heat map. Insome embodiments, EC computing device may receive notification that amessage was received by a recipient computing device, and generate astatus message including a status indicator indicating whether atransmitted message was received by the recipient.

The EC computing device may generate a user interface displayed thereonto enable the administrator to interact with the EC computing device.The user interface may include icons representing differentcommunication modules such as telephonic, messaging, or push-to-talk(“PTT”). The administrator may select a communication module to initiatecommunication with an individual or a mass communication with a group ofintended recipients. The EC computing device may prompt theadministrator to select an intended recipient or group of recipients. Inthe exemplary embodiment, the EC computing device may provide a list ofindividuals or list of groups for selection. In some embodiments, the ECcomputing device may allow the administrator to manually input intendedrecipients by entering a name or other non-telephonic identifier. In theexemplary embodiment, the EC computing device may display and receiveintended recipients by user name. Each user name may be associated witha unique user identifier (e.g., an alias). Intended recipients of amessage may be validated prior to transmission of the message to therecipients to ensure that only appropriate individuals receive themessage (e.g., those who have consented to receiving messages).Validation may include retrieving and/or cross-checking multipledatabases to confirm that rules and/or requirements for message receiptby intended recipients are met.

In some embodiments, individual recipients or groups of recipients mayautomatically be generated using AI and/or machine learning models. TheEC computing device may retrieve relevant data from a database thatstores recipient characteristics (e.g., geographic, demographic,professional specialty, enterprise-assigned groupings, etc.). A list orlists of intended recipients may be generated by analyzing large volumesof relevant data to accurately determine appropriate communicationmessage (e.g., content message) recipients. The list of intendedrecipients may also be dependent on the type of message to becommunicated, the time of day (e.g., whether certain personnel are onduty, etc.). For example, for a natural disaster occurring aroundAtlanta, employees participating in the enterprise communication systemmay be determined to be assigned to the Atlanta emergency responsegroup. The EC computing device may present the generated list to anadministrator to initiate a group communication with message contentrelevant to the geographic region and for the specific event (e.g.,instructions to the employees indicating assembly at an identifiedstaging area).

In the exemplary embodiment, EC computing device may provide at leastone communication module to use (e.g., dialer, messaging, push-to-talk,etc.). Upon selection of a communication module, the EC computing devicemay prompt the administrator to select a pre-determined message totransmit and/or provide an option to manually input a message totransmit. Pre-determined messages may be generated using intelligentmeans such as AI. For example, data related to a natural disaster may bereceived from an external source. The EC computing device may present analert message related to the event for transmission. The administratorneed only confirm the transmission.

In some embodiments, if a message is manually inputted, the EC computingdevice may parse the message using natural language processing and/orother AI and/or machine learning to intelligently determine whetheradditional information should be provided. For example, if an inclementweather event message is prepared, the EC computing device may retrieveand/or generate an additional link (e.g., hyperlink, URL, etc.) toprovide recipients with additional information via selection of thelink.

In the exemplary embodiment, the EC computing device uses the recipientidentifiers to determine the contact information for the associated userso that the message may be transmitted to the intended recipient. Ifencrypted communication is desired, the EC computing device mayadditionally perform steps to encrypt (e.g., DES, RSA, AES, PGP,SSL/TLS, etc.) the provided text and/or audio and/or video message. Arecipient using a recipient computing device may decrypt the encryptedmessage upon receipt of the message. The recipient may be required toauthenticate into the recipient computing device to receive the message.In some embodiments, the recipient may be prevented from receivingand/or viewing the encrypted message if authorization to receive themessage is not confirmed or if the recipient is not properlyauthenticated.

Registration of users for the enterprise communication system includesan opt-in procedure where users “opt in” (e.g., provide informedconsent) to receiving messages from the EC computing device. This allowsthe enterprise communication system to be in compliance with consumerprotection laws and privacy regulations, such as the Telephone ConsumerProtection Act. Thus, a user opts in to the enterprise communicationsystem and consents to receive communication messages when they downloadthe app (e.g., app 502, shown in FIG. 5). In other embodiments, the usermay opt in and provide consent by transmitting a consent message to theEC computing device. The consent message may indicate user consent fromthe user in transmitting and receiving messages at the user's recipientcomputing device. Use of non-telephonic identifiers (e.g., aliases) maybe used to enable communication between registered users whilemaintaining privacy preferences and/or requirements.

In some embodiments, the enrollment data and/or other collected data maybe anonymized and/or aggregated prior to receipt such that no PII isreceived. In other embodiments, the system may be configured to receiveapplication data and/or other collected data that is not yet anonymizedand/or aggregated, and thus may be configured to anonymize and aggregatethe data. In such embodiments, any PII received by the system isreceived and processed in an encrypted format or is received with theconsent of the individual with which the PII is associated.

In situations in which the systems discussed herein collect personalinformation about individuals, or makes use of such personalinformation, the individuals may be provided with an opportunity tocontrol whether such information is collected and/or control how suchinformation is used. For example, the EC computing device may generate asettings user interface to enable a user to configure settings optionsincluding disabling certain functionality of the EC computing device. Inaddition, certain data may be processed in one or more ways before it isstored or used, so that PII is removed. Alternatively or additionally, auser may affirmatively opt-out of the enterprise communication systemvia a user interface provided by the EC computing device and/or a remoteserver or by deleting or otherwise removing any software or appinstalled on the user computing device performing enterprisecommunication functions.

The enterprise communication computing system may also be configured toprevent access to certain PII by securely encrypting the information ina local or remote database with restricted access rights. Decryption ofsecured data may thus be limited to authorized computing devices and/orpersonnel authenticated within a safe zone (e.g., physically present ata specified location). Further, PII may be in a hashed format (e.g.,SHA-1, SHA-2, MD5) and unreadable by a human user.

In another exemplary embodiment, the process may be performed by atleast one frontend system, such as an EC computing device, and/or atleast one backend system, such as a centralized server. In the exemplaryembodiment, the message, the request-response, and the recipientidentifiers associated with the intended recipients may be transmittedto a central server which may perform the step of determining thecontact information for the associated user before transmitting themessage to the intended recipients. In some embodiments, the centralserver may be a web server that may be in communication with at leastone EC computing device, at least one recipient computing device, athird-party computing device, and/or a communication network (e.g., theInternet, cellular networks, etc.) including communication devices(e.g., radio transmitter and receivers, satellites, or other devices fortransmitting and receive communication messages).

In a further exemplary embodiment, at least two EC computing devices maybe configured to communicate directly with each other using near fieldcommunication. If the EC computing device is prevented from using othermeans of communication, the EC computing device may be configured todetect other EC computing devices. For example, a user W attempting tocommunicate with a user D during a power outage may be unable tocommunicate via a WiFi network. Additionally, if cellular networks areoverloaded and user W and user D are physically separated by a distancewhere near field communication or radio can be used, user W may initiatecommunication via a local radio frequency using EC computing device.More specifically, EC computing device may be configured to utilize anyradio transmitter capable of low frequency radio transmission andreception, low-power mid-frequency transmission and reception, low-powerhigh frequency transmission and reception, and/or any other radiofrequency and power level capable of implementing short-range wireless,point-to-point communication between at least two EC computing devices.

EC computing device may activate push-to-talk functionality tofacilitate real time communication to an EC computing device associatedwith user D. In this configuration, the EC computing devices may store,in a secure, encrypted, database, non-telephonic user identifiers toidentify nearby EC computing devices to enable selection of an intendedrecipient. In some embodiments, if user W moves outside the range of thelocal radio frequency, short-range wireless communication methods, suchas those as described above, may become unavailable. In such instances,communication may be re-established via alternative methods ofcommunication (e.g., WiFi, cellular, etc.) that are available. In someembodiments, each EC computing device may temporarily store, in a localmemory location, transmitted communication messages. Uponre-establishment of communication with other EC computing devices and/ora central server, each EC computing device may upload to the centralserver and/or otherwise transfer to other EC computing devices, thetemporarily stored messages, thereby maintaining continuity ofcommunication messages.

At least one of the technical problems addressed by this system includesenabling secure individual, group, or mass communication using a singleEC computing device with a combined unified user interface capable ofactivating multiple communication functions each capable of multipletypes of messaging. More specifically, the systems, methods, andcomputer-readable media described herein provide an efficient andreliable enterprise communication process that utilizes recipientidentifiers, groups of intended recipients, and segregated securedatabases (e.g. data stores) to dynamically define communication groupsof intended recipients, thereby enabling a user-administrator toinitiate communication with intended recipients seamlessly usingnon-telephonic device identifiers and intelligent smart-grouping.

Exemplary technical effects of the systems, methods, andcomputer-readable media described herein may include, for example: (i)enabling communication using a unified communication system; (ii)leveraging multiple distributed database systems to identifycommunication message recipients; (iii) enabling intuitiveidentification of communication message recipients using non-telephonicidentifiers; (iv) rapid and dynamic identification of message recipientgroups using artificial intelligence and machine learning; (v) enablingresponse options for mass communication; (vi) reducing the amount ofbandwidth needed for mass communication; (vii) reducing the cost ofmaintaining and coordinating between multiple systems and parties tofacilitate group or mass communication; and (viii) increasing the speedby which group or mass communication messages may be transmitted.

The methods and systems described herein may be implemented usingcomputer programming or engineering techniques including computersoftware, firmware, hardware, or any combination or subset thereof toimplement the functionalities of an enterprise communication (“EC”)computing device, wherein the technical effects may be achieved byperforming at least one of the following: (i) generating a userinterface for execution on the EC computing device, the user interfaceincluding a display with a plurality of icons, each icon representativeof a corresponding module of the plurality of modules, (ii) receiving,from within the user interface executed on the EC computing device, auser selection of a first icon of the plurality of icons, the first iconrepresentative of a first module of plurality of modules, (iii)executing the first module represented by the selected first icon, (iv)receiving user input defining a content message to be sent using thefirst module and including one or more user identifiers identifying arespective one or more intended recipients of the content message to besent, (v) generating an input field enabling user entry of a pluralityof response options, each response option responsive to content of thecontent message to be sent, (vi) receiving user input of the pluralityof response options, (vii) formatting the plurality of response optionsto generate a response-request portion of the content message to be sentincluding the plurality of response options in a drop-down menu, (viii)transmitting, via the first module, the content message to a respectiverecipient computing device associated with each intended recipient, thecontent message including the content and the response-request portion,wherein receipt of the content message at a recipient computing devicecauses the recipient computing device to display the drop-down menuincluding the plurality of response options within a respective userinterface of the recipient computing device, and/or (ix) receiving, fromone or more of the recipient computing devices, a response messageincluding a selected response option from the plurality of responseoptions.

Exemplary System for Enterprise Communication

FIG. 1 depicts a view of an exemplary embodiment of an enterprisecommunication system 100 for enabling communication between anenterprise communication (“EC”) computing device 102 and recipientcomputing devices 104 based upon a unique, non-telephonic-basedrecipient computing device identifier associated with each recipientcomputing device 104.

In the exemplary embodiment, EC computing device 102 and recipientcomputing devices 104 may be any user computing device communicativelycoupled to a central server 114 using a number of interfaces including,but not limited to, at least one of a network, such as the Internet, alocal area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), or an integratedservices digital network (ISDN), a dial-up-connection, a digitalsubscriber line (DSL), a cellular phone connection, and a cable modem.EC computing device 102 and recipient computing devices 104 may be anydevice capable of accessing the Internet including, but not limited to,a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant(PDA), a cellular phone, a smartphone, a tablet, a phablet, wearableelectronics, smart watch, or other web-based connectable equipment ormobile devices so long as it is capable of transmitting and/or receivingcommunication messages transmitted from EC computing device 102,recipient computing device 104, and/or central server 114 and displayingor otherwise allowing a user (e.g., recipient 402, shown in FIG. 4) toreceive and/or respond to communication messages.

In the exemplary embodiment, EC computing device 102 may be any usercomputing device capable of performing the functions as describedherein. EC computing device 102 may include a memory 106, describedfurther below. EC computing device 102 may include communication modulessuch as dialer module 108, messenger module 110 and push-to-talk (“PTT”)module 112. In the exemplary embodiment, EC computing device 102 maygenerate a user interface including icons representing at least dialermodule 108, messenger module 110, and PTT module 112. A user (e.g., acommunication administrator) may interact with EC computing device 102via the generated user interface by selecting and/or activating icons.EC computing device 102 may be implemented on a user computing devicewith a touch-screen display responsive to gestures, presses, or othertouch-activated methods. In some embodiments, EC computing device 102may be configured for voice activation of the communication modules. Insome embodiments, EC computing device 102 may be implemented on a usercomputing device specifically designed to implement the functionality ofEC computing device 102 as described herein and may include alternativeor additional methods for activation of the communication modules.

Upon activation of an icon representing a communication module, ECcomputing device 102 may execute the selected communication module byactivating functionality associated with the selected communicationmodule. In the exemplary embodiment, dialer module 108 may be configuredto initiate telephonic communication. Upon activation of dialer module108, EC computing device 102 may receive a list of intended useridentifiers associated with recipients designated by the administrator.The list of potential intended recipients may appear as unique useridentifiers and/or symbols and/or images representing individuals and/orgroups. For example, an identifier may be associated with a particularcall tree such that the administrator may select the identifier toinitiate the call tree.

In other embodiments, EC computing device 102 displays a number-pad andprompts the administrator to select a number combination associated withan intended recipient. EC computing device 102 may display an inputfield enabling the administrator to manually input a user identifier asa string. EC computing device 102 may be configured to automaticallydetect complete or partially complete sequences of numbers or manuallyinput strings and process the input to initiate communication asdescribed further below. In some embodiments, EC computing device 102may additionally prompt the administrator to input additional numbersequences to generate a list of intended recipients.

In the exemplary embodiment, messenger module 110 enables thetransmission of messages between EC computing device 102 and at leastone recipient computing device 104. Messenger module 110 may include aplurality of functions such as individual text-based messaging, grouptext-based messaging, confidential messaging, and audio and/or videorecording. Individual text-based messaging may include manual input of atext message by the administrator via an input tool such as a virtualkeyboard. In some embodiments, messenger module 110 may display aplurality of pre-defined text messages selectable from, for example, adrop-down box or scrollable list. Group text-based messaging may beimplemented similarly. The selection of a group of recipients isdescribed above. Messenger module 110 may be configured to enable audioand/or video recording using a built-in and/or external microphone andcamera in communication with the EC computing device 102. Messengermodule 110 may present options to select between audio or videorecordings. Text-based, audio, and/or video recordings may be stored ina memory location such as memory 106. Stored messages may be transmittedafter a predetermined period of delay. In some embodiments, if certaincommunication functionality is not available (e.g., WiFi isunavailable), alternate communication methods may be used (e.g.,cellular networks).

In the exemplary embodiment, PTT module 112 may enable instantaneouscommunication between EC computing device 102 and at least one recipientcomputing device 104. Instantaneous push-to-talk communication in thiscontext refers to real time transmission and reception of video and/oraudio between PTT module 112 and the intended recipients at the momentof transmission or within milliseconds of transmission.

The administrator may activate the PTT module 112 to initiate PTTcommunication. PTT module 112 may prompt the administrator to begintransmitting a message to the intended recipients. PTT module 112 mayinclude an activation key indicating active transmission while theactivation key is activated (e.g., pressed) by the administrator.Deactivation and/or release of the activation key may disengage and/ordiscontinue reception and/or transmission of any message vocalized bythe administrator. In some embodiments, any vocalized communication maybe recorded and stored in memory 106.

In the exemplary embodiment, PTT module 112 may be implemented by anetwork such as the Internet, a WiFi network, or a cellular network. Inother embodiments, PTT module 112 may be implemented by radio broadcastcommunication, such as two-way radio (e.g., portable walkie-talkies,citizens band (“CB”) radio, Hertz-Armstrong-Marconi (“HAM”) radio,etc.). More specifically, PTT module 112 may utilize any radiotransmitter capable of low frequency radio transmission and reception,low-power mid-frequency transmission and reception, low-power highfrequency transmission and reception, and/or any other radio frequencyand power level capable of implementing short-range wireless,point-to-point communication between at least two EC computing devices102.

In some embodiments, PTT module 112 may prioritize communicationprotocols. For example, PTT module 112 may attempt to initiate a PTTcommunication with a recipient computing device over a WiFi network. Ifno WiFi networks are available, PTT module 112 may attempt to initiate aPTT communication with a recipient computing device via a cellularnetwork. In some embodiments, PTT module 112 may be configured toattempt to initiate a PTT communication with a recipient computingdevice using near field communication transmissions such as BLUETOOTH™.

In the exemplary embodiment, enterprise communication system 100 may bein communication with central server computing device 114. Centralserver 114 may be communicatively coupled to EC computing device 102 andto recipient computing device 104. Central server 114 may be configuredto retrieve data from data sources, perform validation procedures, andrelay communication messages between EC computing device 102 andrecipient computing devices 104. Central server computing device 114 mayinclude a memory 116 for storing communication messages, data fromthird-party sources, and other data, described further below.

Central server computing device 114 may be in communication with anemployee database 118. Employee database 118 may include informationsuch as pre-defined groupings of potential communication messagerecipients. For example, user information stored in employee database118 may identify a first employee as associated with an accounting groupwhile a second employee may be associated with an executive group.Central server computing device 114 may be in communication withcustomer database 120. Customer database 120 storing data associatedwith a customer may include, for example, name, address, telephonenumber, category of type of customer or other customer classification,etc. In some embodiments, central server 114 may use informationretrieved from customer database 120 to determine groups ofcommunication message recipients. Central server computing device 114may be in communication with records database 122. Records database maybe configured to store communication messages, recipient information,and the like.

Databases 118, 120, and 122 may be any computer or computer program thatprovides database services to one or more other computers or computerprograms. Databases 118, 120, and 122 may store any organized collectionof data, such as, for example, any data organized as part of arelational data structure, any data organized as part of a flat file,and the like. In one embodiment, databases 118, 120, and 122 may beHadoop® Distributed File System (HDFS). In other embodiments, databases118, 120, and 122 may be a non-relational database, such as APACHEHadoop® database.

Databases 118, 120, and 122 may be communicatively coupled to centralserver 114 and may receive data from, and provide data to, centralserver 114, such as in response to one or more requests for data, whichmay be provided via a database management system (DBMS) implemented oncentral server 114, such as SQLite, PostgreSQL (e.g., Postgres), orMySQL DBMS. Databases 118, 120, and 122 may be a scalable storage systemthat includes fault tolerance and fault compensation capabilities. Datasecurity capabilities, such as encryption and decryption, may also beintegrated into databases 118, 120, and 122.

In some embodiments, databases 118, 120, and 122 may be decentralized.In the exemplary embodiment, an administrator may access databases 118,120, and 122 via central server 114 using EC computing device 102 asdescribed above. In other embodiments, a third-party may also accessdatabases 118, 120, and 122 via central server 114 using third-partycomputing devices and/or EC computing device 102.

Central server 114 may be configured to perform validation of intendedrecipients using a validation module 126. EC computing device 102 mayidentify intended recipients using non-telephonic user identifiers.Central server 114 may receive the non-telephonic user identifier fromEC computing device 102 and determine the associated computing devicesfor transmitting a message. For example, central server 114 may receivethe user identifiers, and perform a lookup of the user identifiers indatabases 118 and/or 120 using validation module 126 to performvalidation steps and confirm that each intended recipient of a messageremains opted into enterprise communication system 100. In this example,central server 114 may utilize validation module 126 to retrieveup-to-date recipient status information for each intended recipient.Status information may include a consent status and/or policyholderstatus as of the date of retrieval, as well as information such as apolicy expiration date for a recipient. Validation module 126 mayutilize a validation script programmed to execute on central server 114.The validation process may also include verifying the accuracy of thestored data by, for example, examining the point in time (e.g. date andtime) of when the record was last updated.

Alternatively or additionally, examination of the classification of theidentified user in the customer database may be further performed todetermine whether the user satisfies predefined rules or criteria. Forexample, a rule stored in memory 116 may require that messages may onlybe transmitted to users that have affirmatively opted into receiving anycommunications. The validation process may be configured to determine ifpotential intended recipients have opted out of the enterprisecommunication system 100. The validation process may also includeverification of the location of the intended communication messagerecipient. For example, for an event affecting policyholder recipientslocated in Hawaii, messages may be limited to recipients determined tobe registered as a policyholder in Hawaii. In some embodiments, messagesmay be applicable to a certain time period. For example, messages maycease after an inclement weather event expected to last two hours. Themessage contents may further determine whether additional rules may beapplied to determine appropriate message recipients. In someembodiments, a smart-message system using artificial intelligence (“AI”)system may be used, as described further below.

Central server 114 may also be in communication with third party and/orexternal data sources. Central server 114 may utilize a model buildermodule 124 to build models that utilize AI algorithms to analyzecommunication message content to determine relevant data sources. Forexample, inclement weather event messages included in the communicationmessage input by the administrator may be analyzed to determine thatadditional information from a remote web server such as WEATHER.COM™ maybe retrieved and added to the message. A variety of AI systems may beused by central server 114 such as IBM WATSON™. The AI system mayinclude information or a link in the communication message such that arecipient may activate the link or use the relevant informationaccordingly (e.g., applying tape over windows, appropriate supplies toinclude in a backpack of emergency tools and supplies, etc.). Use ofintended recipient information by the AI system may further enablecustomization of the message to provide real time AI informationpertinent to the situation. For example, recipient information includinglocation information (e.g., GPS, GIS, longitudinal and latitude data)may provide intelligent identification of recipients for a naturaldisaster event in Hawaii. Central server 114 may use AI systems toinclude additional smart-message information (e.g., safe locations,access to water, aid stations with available blankets and/or clothing,etc.) to a mass communication broadcast.

In the exemplary embodiment, EC computing device 102 and recipientcomputing devices 104 may be computers that include a web browser or asoftware application that enables EC computing device 102 and recipientcomputing devices 104 to access remote servers, such as central server114 using a network such as the Internet or other network. Morespecifically, EC computing device 102 and recipient computing devices104 may be communicatively coupled to the Internet through manyinterfaces including, but not limited to, at least one of a network,such as the Internet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network(WAN), or an integrated services digital network (ISDN), adial-up-connection, a digital subscriber line (DSL), a cellular phoneconnection, and a cable modem.

In the exemplary embodiment, recipient computing devices 104 may be anydevice capable of accessing the Internet including, but not limited to,a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant(PDA), a cellular phone, a smartphone, a tablet, a phablet, wearableelectronics, smart watch, or other web-based connectable equipment ormobile devices. Recipient computing devices 104 may be any personalcomputing device and/or any mobile communications device of a user, suchas a personal computer, a tablet computer, a smartphone, and the like.Recipient computing devices 104 may be configured to present anapplication (e.g., a smartphone “app”) or a webpage, such as a webpageor an app for processing or viewing images associated with ancommunication (e.g., enterprise communications). To this end, recipientcomputing devices 104 may include or execute software, such as a webbrowser, for viewing and interacting with a webpage and/or an app.Although two recipient computing devices 104 are shown in FIG. 1 forclarity, it should be understood that enterprise communication system100 may include any number of recipient computing devices 104.

In the exemplary embodiment, central server 114 is configured tocommunicate with EC computing device 102 and recipient computing devices104 associated with a user, such as recipient 402 (shown in FIG. 4).Central server 114 may be any computer or computer system that isconfigured to receive and process requests made via HTTP. In someembodiments, central server 114 may also be configured to receive andprocess requests made via HTTPS.

In various embodiments, central server 114 may be directly coupled todatabases 118, 120, and 122 and/or communicatively coupled to databases118, 120, and 122 via a network. Central server 114 may, in addition,function to store, process, and/or deliver communication messages and/orany other suitable content to EC computing device 102 and recipientcomputing devices 104. Central server 114 may, in addition, receivedata, such as data provided to EC computing device 102 and recipientcomputing devices 104 and/or communication messages from EC computingdevice 102 and recipient computing devices 104 for subsequent transferto databases 118, 120, and 122.

In some embodiments, central server 114 may be associated with, or ispart of a computer network associated with a third party such asinsurance provider (not shown). In other embodiments, central server 114may be associated with a third party and is merely in communication withthird parties using third party computing devices.

In various embodiments, central server 114 may implement varioushardware and/or software, such as, for example, one or morecommunication protocols, one or more message brokers, one or more dataprocessing engines, one or more servlets, one or more applicationservers, and the like. For instance, in one embodiment, central server114 may implement an Internet of Things (IoT) protocol, such as amachine-to-machine IoT communications protocol (e.g., an MQTT protocol).In addition, in various embodiments, central server 114 may translate amessage or communications from a messaging protocol of a sending deviceto a messaging protocol of a receiving device (e.g., RABBITTMQ, KAFKA,ACTIVEMQ, KESTREL) Further still, in some embodiments, central server114 may implement a data processing engine, such as a cluster computingframework like APACHE SPARK. In addition, in various embodiments,central server 114 may implement servlet and/or JSP server, such asAPACHE TOMCAT.

Memory areas 106 and 116 may include, but are not limited to, randomaccess memory (RAM) such as dynamic RAM (DRAM) or static RAM (SRAM),read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM),electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), andnon-volatile RAM (NVRAM). The above memory types are exemplary only, andare thus not limiting as to the types of memory usable for storage of acomputer program.

EC computing device 102 is unconventional in that it is able to performthe unique steps described herein. A user of EC computing device 102 mayinteract with the user interface to view, explore, and otherwiseinteract with the functions as described herein (e.g., initiating groupcommunications, initiating mass communications, etc.). In the exampleembodiment, the user interface is generated by EC computing device 102.In some embodiments, the user interface may be hosted by or stored oncentral server 114 and accessed by EC computing device 102. For example,a web portal may be stored on and executed by central server 114. Thus,EC computing device 102 may provide inputs to the web portal. The inputsare received by central server 114 and used to execute functions asdescribed above. The web portal may further provide outputs to ECcomputing device 102. The web portal may be a website (e.g., centralserver 114), application, or other tool.

Although the components of enterprise communication system 100 aredescribed above and depicted at FIG. 1 as being interconnected in aparticular configuration, it is contemplated that the systems,subsystems, hardware and software components, various networkcomponents, and database systems described herein may be variouslyconfigured and interconnected and may communicate with one anotherwithin the enterprise communication system 100 to facilitate theprocesses and advantages described herein. For example, although asingle EC computing device 102, a single central server 114, tworecipient computing devices 104, an employee database 118, and a singlecustomer database 120, and single records database 122 are describedabove, it will be appreciated that system 100 may include any suitablenumber of interconnected, communicatively coupled, user computingdevices, networks, servers, and/or databases. For example, more than oneEC computing device 102 may be in communication with central server 114.Additionally, central server 114 may be implemented by a distributedsystem. Further, although certain functions, processes, and operationsare described herein with respect to one or more system components, itis contemplated that one or more other system components may perform thefunctions, processes, and operations described herein.

Exemplary Client Device

FIG. 2 depicts another exemplary configuration 200 of an enterprisecommunication system. In the exemplary embodiment, exemplaryconfiguration 200 may be similar to enterprise communication system 100(shown in FIG. 1), and may include similar components and functionalityof enterprise communication system 100.

Exemplary configuration 200 may include an administrator (“admin”)computing device 202. In some embodiments, admin computing device 202may be EC computing device 102 (shown in FIG. 1) or a similar usercomputing device. Admin computing device 202 may include a userinterface (UI) 204 performing the same or similar functionality asdescribed above for EC computing device 102. UI 204 may include a numberof modules as described above, configured to communicate with a mainserver 206. Admin computing device 202 may receive reports 208 generatedby main server 206 and may display reports 208 to an administrator usingadmin computing device 202.

Exemplary configuration 200 may include an enterprise workstation 210configured to perform the same or similar enterprise communicationfunctions similar to admin computing device 202 and/or EC computingdevice 102 as described above. As such, enterprise workstation 210 maybe in communication with main server 206.

Main server 206 may be in communication with an active directory service212. Main server 206 may use active directory service 212 to performauthentication, authorization, and management of computing devices incommunication with main server 206. For example, admin computing device202 may be stored in active directory service 212 and assigned anadministrative grouping while enterprise workstation 210 may be storedin active directory service 212 and assigned an employee grouping.Alternatively or additionally, main server 206 may be in communicationwith active directory service 212 and/or other directory services usinga lightweight directory access protocol (LDAP) 214. LDAP 214 may enablemain server 206 to retrieve information associated with user computingdevices such as domain and/or group assignments.

In the exemplary embodiment, main server 206 may be in communicationwith a call tree database (e.g., call tree data store) 216. Call treedata store 216 may be a memory location such as a database configured tomaintain a data structure of updated nodes where each node represents auser. In some embodiments, the nodes may be interlinked such thatdifferent groups of users may be efficiently determined by traversal ofthe nodes. For example, a first node may be identified as a userassociated with and/or assigned to an information technology (IT) role.Subsequent nodes linked to the first node may thus be automaticallydefined as associated with or assigned to an IT role. Furtherspecification may be applied to filter and/or sort data stored in calltree data store 216 to identify relevant users in a group. In theexemplary embodiment, call tree data store 216 may be in communicationwith a policyholder store 218. Policyholder store 218 may be configuredto store and maintain updated information for users and associatedpolicies. For example, policyholder store 218 may retain informationabout insurance policies and associated users (policyholders) includingtypes of insurance policies and dates of activation and/or deactivation.Policyholder store 218 may transmit additional data to call tree datastore 216 to include for main server 206 to parse and/or analyze. Mainserver 206 may exclude and/or include communication recipient messagerecipients based upon data received from call tree data store 216 and/orpolicyholder store 218.

Main server 206 may be in communication with databases 220 which mayinclude employee data, recorded data (e.g., logs), and/or third-partydata. Employee data in databases 220 may include, for example, assignedand/or designated enterprise groups (e.g., IT, accounting, legal, etc.),and be used to determine communication messaging groups. For example, anew accounting procedure may cause main server 206 to retrieve employeeswith an accounting designation. Main server 206 may be in communicationwith a log server 222 which may be configured to record or otherwisestore previously transmitted communication messages. Past communicationmessages may be used to analyze performance and effectiveness ofenterprise communication system 100. In some embodiments, log server 222may include responses received from recipients as described above.Response data may be used to quickly identify unreachable orunresponsive recipients and to determine whether additionalcommunication messaging propagation is required.

Exemplary configuration 200 may include a firewall 224. Main server 206may access external networks such as the Internet 226 through firewall224. Firewall 224 may be configured to detect and deny access tofraudulent access attempts and/or prevent infiltration by maliciousparties. Additional or alternative security measures may also beimplemented to prevent compromising the security and integrity ofexemplary configuration 200. In exemplary configuration 200, main server206 communicates with a remote user computing device 234 via Internet226. In exemplary configuration 200, a third-party push notificationsAPN/GPN 230 service may be used in conjunction with main server 206 toprovide messages to alert user computing device 234 of messagestransmitted from main server 206. In exemplary configuration 200 a thirdparty communication network 232 may be used to facilitate communicationto user computing devices 234. Communication network 232 may enablecommunication between main server 206 and user computing devices 234 viaInternet 226. In some embodiments, user computing devices 234 may beconfigured to communicate directly using near field communication 236.

Exemplary Administrator Flow Diagram

FIG. 3 is an exemplary flow diagram 300 illustrating a process betweenan administrator 302 and enterprise communication (“EC”) computingdevice 102 (shown in FIG. 1) for transmitting a message to a group ofrecipients in real time. In particular, flow diagram 300 illustratesexemplary steps administrator 302 may take to initiate communicationbetween a group of recipient computing devices, such as recipientcomputing device 104 (shown in FIG. 1). In the exemplary embodiment, ECcomputing device 102 may be a user computing device (such as usercomputing device 234, shown in FIG. 2) in which a user interfacegenerated by EC computing device 102 is executed thereon. EC computingdevice 102 may be in communication with a central server computingdevice 114 (shown in FIG. 1), which is in communication with a pluralityof recipient computing devices 104 (shown in FIG. 1).

In the exemplary embodiment, administrator 302 accesses EC computingdevice 102 to transmit 304 a message (e.g., content message) to aplurality of recipients. The message may be an alert message transmittedto a group of administrators (e.g., high-level employees) who manage aspecific geographical area or a group of customers (e.g., insurancepolicyholders) in an affected geographical area. Administrator 302 maylaunch the app to access EC computing device 102. In the exemplaryembodiment, administrator 302 selects 306 a communication module for thecontent message from a plurality of communication modules provided by ECcomputing device 102. The communication module may be one of atelephonic communication module (e.g., a dialer feature), a text-basedmessaging module (e.g., a messenger feature) for wireless communication(e.g., cellular, Internet), and a two-way radio communication module(e.g., a walkie-talkie feature) for two-way push-to-talk (“PTT”)communication, as described above.

In the exemplary embodiment, EC computing device 102 subsequentlyreceives 308, from administrator 302, a selection of a communicationtype for the content message. For example, at step 2, administrator 302may select the telephonic communication module to deliver a hurricanealert message for an affected geographic area in Hawaii. Upon selectingthe telephonic communication module, administrator 302 may be providedwith a plurality of communication types specific to the telephoniccommunication module. For example, administrator 302 may be providedwith communication types, such as transmitting the content message viatelephonic communication to an individual, a predefined group ofrecipients, a mass group of recipients, and/or initiating a call tree.In the above example, administrator 302, at step 3, may select totransmit the hurricane alert message to a predefined group of recipientsvia the telephonic communication module.

In the exemplary embodiment, EC computing device 102 receives 310, fromadministrator 302, a selection of designated recipients for the contentmessage. In some embodiments, steps 3 and 4 may be performedsimultaneously. Administrator 302 may provide EC computing device 102with recipient identifiers associated with the designated recipients. Inother embodiments, administrator 302 may be presented with a list ofrecipient identifiers when administrator 302 selects a communicationtype within a corresponding communication module. In the above example,administrator 302 may be presented with a plurality of predefinedgroups, where each group is populated with a list of recipients. Eachpredefined group may correspond to a group of administratorsmanaging/overseeing a specific geographic area. In the above example,administrator 302 may select a predefined group associated with a groupof high-level employees responsible for managing the affected area inHawaii.

Upon receiving the recipient identifiers of the designated recipients,EC computing device 102 receives 312 the message to be transmitted fromadministrator 302. Administrator 302 may directly provide the message toEC computing device 102 as a text message and/or audio recording. In theexemplary embodiment, EC computing device 102 may further provide aninput field enabling user entry, by administrator 302, of a plurality ofresponse options for the designated recipients. Each response option maybe responsive to the content of the content message being transmitted tothe recipients. EC computing device 102 may receive 314 user entry of aplurality of response options from administrator 302 for the contentmessage. For example, administrator 302 may provide response options,such as “I am available,” “I am away/I am not available,” and/or “I amnot sure” for each recipient to select as his or her response to thecontent message.

In the exemplary embodiment, EC computing device 102 transmits 316 thecontent message with the plurality of response options to the designatedrecipients in real time. In some embodiments, EC computing device 102may directly transmit the content message to the designated recipientsvia the selected communication module. In the exemplary embodiments, ECcomputing device 102 may transmit the content message via the selectedcommunication module through central server computing device 114.

Exemplary Recipient Response Flow Diagram

FIG. 4 is an exemplary flow diagram 400 illustrating a process between arecipient 402 and enterprise communication (“EC”) computing device 102(shown in FIG. 1) for receiving a message from administrator 302 (shownin FIG. 3) on recipient computing device 104 (shown in FIG. 1) in realtime. In the exemplary embodiment, recipient computing device 104 may bein communication with EC computing device 102 via central servercomputing device 114 (shown in FIG. 1). In further embodiments,recipient computing device 104 may be in direct communication with ECcomputing device 102, as described above.

In the exemplary embodiment, recipient 402 receives 404 the contentmessage sent by administrator 302 on recipient computing device 104.Recipient 402 may access a software application (“app”) on recipientcomputing device 104 to receive the content message from administrator302. In the exemplary embodiment, recipient computing device 104 isconfigured to transmit a response message to administrator 302 for thereceived content message. In some embodiments, recipient computingdevice 104 may be EC computing device 102 with one or more communicationmodules disabled. In one example, recipient computing device 104, likeEC computing device 102, may have a text-based messaging module and atwo-way radio communication module, but may not have a telephoniccommunication module. In another example, recipient computing device 104may be configured to receive incoming telephonic communications (e.g.,phone calls) from administrator 302, but may be restricted from placingoutgoing calls.

In the exemplary embodiment, recipient computing device 104 receives 406a selection of a communication module for transmitting the responsemessage. For example, the response message may be an audio or text-basedmessage from recipient acknowledging the received content message. Inone embodiment, the response message may be a text-based message fromthe recipient asking administrator 302 to provide further information.For example, recipient 402 may be an insurance policyholder in Hawaii,and receives a hurricane alert from his insurance company. In response,recipient 402 may transmit a response message asking for details as tothe evacuation policy for the policyholder's geographic area and/or forfurther information as to shelters, food, and medical help. In anotherexample, recipient 402 may be a high-level employee who is responsiblefor monitoring a geographic area that has been issued a hurricanewarning and may wish to initiate certain actions defined in a response.

In the exemplary embodiment, recipient computing device 104 provides 408a plurality of response options received from administrator 302 torespond to the received content message. In the exemplary embodiment,and with combined reference with FIGS. 3 and 4, EC computing device 102may generate a response-request portion for the content message totransmit to recipient computing device 104. The response-request portionof the content message may be formatted on recipient computing device104 as a drop-down menu that includes a plurality of response options.In the exemplary embodiment, recipient 402 may select a response fromthe drop-down menu of provided response options. As illustrated in FIG.3, the drop-down menu may include responses, such as “I am available,”“I am away/I am not available,” and/or “I am not sure.” For example,recipient 402 may be a high-level employee responsible for monitoring ageographic area that has been issued a hurricane warning. In thisexample, recipient 402 may receive a message from administrator 302asking recipient 402 whether or not recipient 402 can report to adesignated area within 2 hours to receive emergency instructions onhurricane preparedness. In response, recipient 402 may select one of theresponse options from the drop-down menu.

In the exemplary embodiment, central server computing device 114 may beconfigured to transmit 410 the response message to administrator 302 viaEC computing device 102 in real time. Central server computing device114 may aggregate response messages from multiple recipients 402 andtransmit to administrator 302 a visual representation of receiveresponses such as a pie chart, bar chart, or heat map. In someembodiments, administrator 302 may reply to the response message fromrecipient 402. In further embodiments, ongoing messaging conversationsmay take place between administrator 302 and recipient 402. In theseembodiments, central server computing device 114 may be configured totransmit messages back and forth between administrator 302 and recipient402 via EC computing device 102 and recipient computing device 104.

Exemplary User Interfaces

FIGS. 5-10 illustrate exemplary user interfaces generated by ECcomputing device 102 (shown in FIG. 1) for displaying on a usercomputing device (similar to user computing device 234 shown in FIG. 2)associated with a registered user, such as administrator 302 (shown inFIG. 3) and/or recipient 402 (shown in FIG. 4). FIG. 5 illustrates anexemplary user interface 500 for logging into or otherwise accessing anapp 502 associated with or executed by EC computing device 102. Userinterface 500 may be generated by EC computing device 102 or otherwisemade available to a registered user such as administrator 302 and/orrecipient 402 such that the registered user may access app 502. Infurther embodiments, certain functionality performed by app 502 may behosted by central server computing device 114, thereby enabling theregistered user to access the functionality performed by app 502 inessentially the same or similar manner as if EC computing device 102were executing app 502, as described elsewhere herein. In someembodiments, upon accessing app 502, user interface 500 may prompt theuser to input their username and password to proceed.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary user interface 600 for selecting acommunication module, by administrator 302 (shown in FIG. 3), for acontent message. In the exemplary embodiment, user interface 600 isgenerated for display on a user computing device associated withadministrator 302. User interface 600 may be generated by EC computingdevice 102 or otherwise made available to administrator 302 such thatadministrator 302 may select a communication module for the contentmessage. In the exemplary embodiment, user interface 600 includes a“dialer” icon 602 representative of a telephonic communication module, a“messenger” icon 604 representative of a messaging communication module,a “push 2 talk” icon 606 representative of a two-way radio communicationmodule, and a “settings” icon 608 representative of a settings option tomanage the features of app 502 (shown in FIG. 5). In the exemplaryembodiment, administrator 302 may select one of “dialer” icon 602,“messenger” icon 604, or “push 2 talk” icon 606 to select acommunication module for the content message. In further embodiments,certain functionality performed by app 502 may be hosted by centralserver computing device 114, thereby enabling administrator 302 toaccess the functionality performed by app 502 in essentially the same orsimilar manner as if EC computing device 102 were executing app 502, asdescribed elsewhere herein.

User interface 600 differs from a response user interface (not shown)for enabling recipient 402 to select a communication module to respondto the content message. In these embodiments, the response userinterface does not include “dialer” icon 602 because recipient 402 isnot given permission to place outgoing calls. In these embodiments, thetelephonic communication module may be provided to registered usershaving administrative authority, such as administrators 302. Theresponse user interface may include icons corresponding to a messagingcommunication module and a two-way radio communication module. Theresponse user interface may include a “received messages” icon (notshown) that enables recipient 402 (shown in FIG. 4) to access allmessages sent to recipient 402. For example, recipient 402 may selectthe “received messages” icon to listen to an audio recording, such as avoicemail message, from administrator 302 to recipient 402.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary user interface 700 for selecting acommunication type, by administrator 302 (shown in FIG. 3), for acontent message. In the exemplary embodiment, user interface 700 isgenerated for display on a user computing device associated withadministrator 302. User interface 700 may be generated by EC computingdevice 102 or otherwise made available to administrator 302 such thatadministrator 302 may select a communication type associated with apreviously-selected communication module (as shown in FIG. 6) for thecontent message. In the exemplary embodiment, user interface 700includes a plurality of communication types specific to the telephoniccommunication module (as shown by “dialer” icon 602 in FIG. 6).

User interface 700 includes an “individual” icon 702 representative ofcommunication with an individual recipient 402 (shown in FIG. 4), a“group” icon 704 representative of communication with a predefined groupof recipients 402, a “mass” icon 706 representative of communicationwith a plurality of predefined groups (e.g., communication with everyemployee and/or policyholder registered with EC computing device 102),and a “call tree” icon 708 representative of communication withrecipients 402 based upon specific hierarchical communicationprocedures.

FIG. 8 illustrates another exemplary user interface 800 for selecting acommunication type, by administrator 302 (shown in FIG. 3), for acontent message. In the exemplary embodiment, user interface 800 isgenerated for display on a user computing device associated withadministrator 302. User interface 700 may be generated by EC computingdevice 102 or otherwise made available to administrator 302 such thatadministrator 302 may select a communication type associated with apreviously-selected communication module (as shown in FIG. 6) for thecontent message. In the exemplary embodiment, user interface 800includes a plurality of communication types specific to the messagingcommunication module (as shown by “messenger” icon 604 in FIG. 6).

User interface 800 includes a “text” icon 802 representative oftext-based communication (e.g., cellular, Internet) with an individualrecipient 402 (shown in FIG. 4), a “group text” icon 804 representativeof text-based communication with a predefined group of recipients 402, a“video chat” icon 806 representative of communication via audio and/orvideo recordings, and a “confidential” icon 808 for any confidentialinformation that is to be sent by administrator 302 in the contentmessage. In one embodiment, administrator 302 may select “confidential”icon 808 to set a timer for a confidential message that is to be sent torecipients 402. For example, administrator 302 may set a period of timefor the message, such that the message will disappear from recipientcomputing devices 104 (shown in FIG. 1) after the time period haselapsed. In another example, administrator 302 may select “confidential”icon 808 to make sure the confidential message disappears afterrecipient 402 opens the message. In these embodiments, the confidentialmessage may be stored on central server computing device 114.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary user interface 900 of a two-way radiocommunication between administrator 302 (shown in FIG. 3) and recipient402 (shown in FIG. 4) via the two-way radio communication module (asshown by “push 2 talk” icon 606 in FIG. 6). User interface 900 may begenerated by EC computing device 102 or otherwise made available toadministrator 302 and recipient 402. User interface 900 provides avisual indicator as to a conversation occurring in real time over, forexample, a local radio frequency, between administrator 302 andrecipient 402.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary user interface 1000 for viewingsettings associated with app 502 (shown in FIG. 5). In the exemplaryembodiment, user interface 1000 is displayed when a registered userselect “settings” icon 608 (as shown in FIG. 6). User interface 1000enables a registered user, such as administrator 302 (shown in FIG. 3)and/or recipient 402 (shown in FIG. 4) to add contacts (as shown by icon1002), create groups (as shown by icon 1004), and/or access reports (asshown by icon 1006). User interface 1000 may be generated by ECcomputing device 102 or otherwise made available to a registered usersuch as administrator 302 and/or recipient 402 such that the registereduser may access and adjust the functionalities and settings of app 502.

Exemplary Computer-Implemented Method for Enterprise Communication

FIG. 11 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary computer-implementedprocess 1100 implemented by EC computing device 102 enablingcommunication with a recipient computing device 104 based upon a unique,non-telephonic-based recipient computing device identifier associatedwith each recipient computing device (both shown in FIG. 1).

In the exemplary embodiment, process 1100 may include EC computingdevice 102 storing 1102, in a central data source (e.g. central server,shown in FIG. 1), a data structure associating a plurality of useridentifiers with a plurality of user computing devices and associatingeach user computing device with a respective unique non-telephonic-baseddevice identifier that uniquely identifies the associated recipientcomputing device 104. Process 1100 may also include uploading 1104, toEC computing device 102, an enterprise communication application,wherein execution of the enterprise communication application on ECcomputing device 102 causes EC computing device 102 to display a userinterface including a plurality of icons, each icon representative of arespective communication interface module of a communication interfaceof EC computing device 102.

Process 1100 may further include receiving 1106, from EC computingdevice 102, a query including one or more user identifiers identifyingrespective one or more intended recipients of a message to be sent fromEC computing device 102. Process 1100 may also include querying 1108 thedata structure with the one or more user identifiers to retrieve thedevice identifier associated with each one or more user identifiers.Process 1100 may further include transmitting 1110, to EC computingdevice 102, a response including each retrieved device identifier,wherein receipt of the response populates a recipient field of themessage to be sent with the retrieved device identifiers at EC computingdevice 102.

Process 1100 may include receiving, from EC computing device 102, inresponse to EC computing device 102 transmitting the message to eachuser computing device associated with one of the retrieved deviceidentifiers, a first reporting message including (i) at least one of themessages sent by EC computing device 102 and a proxy message includingat least a portion of content of the message, and (ii) a list of the oneor more user computing devices to which the message was transmitted.Process 1100 may also include storing 1114, in the central data source,the first reporting message in a data location indexed according to adevice identifier of EC computing device 102.

Exemplary Computer-Implemented Method for Enterprise Communication withMultiple Modules

FIG. 12 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary computer-implementedprocess 1200 implemented by EC computing device 102 (shown in FIG. 1)enabling communication between EC computing device 102 and recipientcomputing devices 104 based upon a unique, non-telephonic-basedrecipient computing device identifier associated with each recipientcomputing device 104. EC computing device 102 may include a processor incommunication with a memory device and a communication interface. Thecommunication interface may include a plurality of modules including (i)a telephonic communication module for cellular telephonic communicationwith remote computing devices, (ii) a text-based messaging module forcellular text-based communication with remote computing devices, and(iii) a two-way radio communication module for two-way push-to-talk(PTT) communication with remote computing devices.

Process 1200 may include generating 1202 a user interface for executionon EC computing device 102, the user interface including a display witha plurality of icons, each icon representative of a corresponding moduleof the plurality of modules. Process 1200 may also include receiving1204, from within the user interface executed on the EC computing device102, a user selection of a first icon of the plurality of icons, thefirst icon representative of a first module of plurality of modules.Process 1200 may further include initiating 1206 the first modulerepresented by the selected first icon. Process 1200 may also includereceiving 1208 user input defining a message to be sent using the firstmodule and including one or more user identifiers identifying arespective one or more intended recipients of the message to be sent.

Process 1200 may also include transmitting 1210, to a remote datasource, a query including the one or more user identifiers. Process 1200may further include receiving 1212, from the remote data source, one ormore recipient computing device identifiers of a respective one or morerecipient computing devices 104. Each recipient computing device 104 maybe associated with a respective one of the intended recipients of themessage to be sent. Each recipient identifier may include a uniquenon-telephonic-based identifier associated with respective recipientcomputing device 104. Process 1200 may also include transmitting 1214,via the first module, the message to each recipient computing device 104identified based upon the received recipient computing deviceidentifiers.

Exemplary Computer-Implemented Method for Responsive EnterpriseCommunication

FIG. 13 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary computer-implementedprocess 1300 implemented by EC computing device 102 (shown in FIG. 1).EC computing device 102 may include a processor in communication with amemory device and a communication interface. The communication interfacemay include a plurality of modules including (i) a telephoniccommunication module for cellular telephonic communication with remotecomputing devices, and (ii) a text-based messaging module for cellulartext-based communication with remote computing devices.

Process 1300 may include generating 1302 a user interface for executionon EC computing device 102, the user interface including a display witha plurality of icons, each icon representative of a corresponding moduleof the plurality of modules. Process 1300 may also include receiving1304 from within the user interface executed on EC computing device 102,a user selection of a first icon of the plurality of icons, the firsticon representative of a first module of plurality of modules.

Process 1300 may further include initiating 1306 the first modulerepresented by the selected first icon. Process 1300 may also includereceiving 1308 user input defining a content message to be sent usingthe first module and including one or more user identifiers identifyinga respective one or more intended recipients of the content message tobe sent. Process 1300 may further include generating 1310 an input fieldenabling user entry of a plurality of response options, each responseoption responsive to content of the content message to be sent. Process1300 may also include receiving 1312 user input of the plurality ofresponse options.

Process 1300 may further include formatting 1314 the plurality ofresponse options to generate a response-request portion of the contentmessage to be sent including the plurality of response options in adrop-down menu. Process 1300 may also include transmitting 1316 via thefirst module, the content message to a respective recipient computingdevice 104 (shown in FIG. 1) associated with each intended recipient.The content message may include the content and the response-requestportion. Receipt of the content message at recipient computing device104 may cause the recipient computing device 104 to display thedrop-down menu including the plurality of response options within arespective user interface of recipient computing device 104. Process1300 may further include receiving 1318 from one or more of therecipient computing devices 104, a response message including a selectedresponse option from the plurality of response options.

Exemplary Enterprise Communication Computing Device

FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary configuration 1400 of EC computingdevice 102 (shown in FIG. 1) in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent disclosure. EC computing device 102 may include a processor 1404for executing instructions. In some embodiments, executable instructionsmay be stored in a memory area 1406. Processor 1404 may include one ormore processing units (e.g., in a multi-core configuration).

In the exemplary embodiment, processor 1404 is operable to executedialer module 108, messenger module 110, and push-to-talk module 112.Modules 108, 110, and 112 may include specialized instruction sets,and/or coprocessors. Dialer module 108 may be configured to initiatetelephonic communication between administrator 302 (shown in FIG. 3) andone or more recipients 402 (shown in FIG. 4). Messenger module 110 maybe configured to transmit messages between administrator 302 and one ormore recipients 402. Push-to-talk module 112 may be configured to enableadministrator 302 and one or more recipients 402 to communicate with oneanother via a local radio frequency in real time. Memory area 1406 maybe any device allowing information such as executable instructionsand/or other data to be stored and retrieved. Memory area 1406 mayinclude one or more computer readable media.

In exemplary embodiments, EC computing device 102 may also include atleast one media output component 1408 for presenting information to auser 1410, such as administrator 302. Media output component 1408 may beany component capable of conveying information to user 1410. In someembodiments, media output component 1408 may include an output adaptersuch as a video adapter and/or an audio adapter. An output adapter maybe operatively coupled to processor 1404 and operatively couplable to anoutput device such as a display device (e.g., a liquid crystal display(LCD), light emitting diode (LED) display, organic light emitting diode(OLED) display, cathode ray tube (CRT) display, “electronic ink”display, or a projected display) or an audio output device (e.g., aspeaker or headphones).

EC computing device 102 may also include an input device 1412 forreceiving input from user 1410. Input device 1412 may include, forexample, a keyboard, a pointing device, a mouse, a stylus, a touchsensitive panel (e.g., a touch pad or a touch screen), a gyroscope, anaccelerometer, a position detector, or an audio input device. A singlecomponent such as a touch screen may function as both an output deviceof media output component 1408 and input device 1412.

EC computing device 102 may also include a communication interface 1414,which can be communicatively coupled to a remote device, such as centralserver computing device 114 (shown in FIG. 1). Communication interface1414 may include, for example, a wired or wireless network adapter or awireless data transceiver for use with a mobile phone network (e.g.,Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), 3G, 4G or BLUETOOTH™) orother mobile data network (e.g., Worldwide Interoperability forMicrowave Access (WIMAX)).

Stored in memory area 1406 may be, for example, computer readableinstructions for providing a user interface to user 1410 via mediaoutput component 1408 and, optionally, receiving and processing inputfrom input device 1412. A user interface may include, among otherpossibilities, a web browser and client application. Web browsers mayenable users, such as user 1410, to display and interact with media andother information typically embedded on a web page or a website. Aclient application may allow user 1410, such as recipient 402, tointeract with an application associated with EC computing device 102,such as app 502 (shown in FIG. 5).

Memory area 1406 may include, but is not limited to, random accessmemory (RAM) such as dynamic RAM (DRAM) or static RAM (SRAM), read-onlymemory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM),electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), andnon-volatile RAM (NVRAM). The above memory types are exemplary only, andare thus not limiting as to the types of memory usable for storage of acomputer program.

Exemplary Central Server Computing Device

FIG. 15 depicts an exemplary configuration 1500 of central servercomputing device 114 (shown in FIG. 1) in accordance with one embodimentof the present disclosure. Central server computing device 114 includesa processor 1502 for executing instructions. Instructions are stored ina memory area 1504, for example. Processor 1502 includes one or moreprocessing units (e.g., in a multi-core configuration).

In the exemplary embodiment, processor 1502 is operable to execute modelbuilding module 124 and validation module 126. Modules 124 and 126 mayinclude specialized instruction sets and/or coprocessors. Model buildingmodule 124 may be utilized to build models that utilize artificialintelligence algorithms to provide real time supporting information thatis relevant and pertinent to recipients 402 of a specific message. Forexample, central server computing device 114 may utilize model buildingmodule 124 to build models that generate and transmit supplemental(e.g., supporting) messages to recipients 402 in real time. For example,for a hurricane evacuation message, central server computing device 114may utilize a model that automatically generates a list of resources andwebsites to follow up on the hurricane evacuation message. In thisexample, recipients 402 of the hurricane evacuation message may receivea follow up message that provides names of shelters, a list of suppliesrelated to hurricanes, procedures on locating one's claim record orfinding an insurance adjuster, and/or safety tips and precautionsassociated with a hurricane.

Validation module 126 may be utilized to perform validation steps andconfirm that intended recipients 402 of a content message remain optedin to enterprise communication system 100 (shown in FIG. 1). Forexample, if administrator 302 is attempting to send a message to a groupof policyholders, central server computing device 114 may utilizevalidation module 126 to verify that each recipient 402 of the group isstill a valid policyholder. Validation module 126 may enable centralserver computing device 114 to double check that intended recipients 402want to receive messages from EC computing device 102 before eachmessage is sent. In doing so, central server computing device 114 mayautomatically avoid transmitting content messages to those who haveopted out of enterprise communication system 100, and do not wish toreceive content messages.

In the exemplary embodiment, processor 1502 is operatively coupled to acommunication interface 1506 such that central server computing device114 is capable of communicating with remote device(s) such as recipientcomputing devices 104 (shown in FIG. 1). Processor 1502 may also beoperatively coupled to a storage device 1508. Storage device 1508 may beany computer-operated hardware suitable for storing and/or retrievingdata. In some embodiments, storage device 1508 may be integrated incentral server computing device 114. For example, central servercomputing device 114 may include one or more hard disk drives as storagedevice 1508. In other embodiments, storage device 1508 is external tocentral server computing device 114 and is accessed by a plurality ofcomputer devices. For example, storage device 1508 may include a storagearea network (SAN), a network attached storage (NAS) system, and/ormultiple storage units such as hard disks and/or solid state disks in aredundant array of inexpensive disks (RAID) configuration.

In some embodiments, processor 1502 may be operatively coupled tostorage device 1508 via a storage interface 1510. Storage interface 1510may be any component capable of providing processor 1502 with access tostorage device 1508. Storage interface 1510 may include, for example, anAdvanced Technology Attachment (ATA) adapter, a Serial ATA (SATA)adapter, a Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) adapter, a RAIDcontroller, a SAN adapter, a network adapter, and/or any componentproviding processor 1502 with access to storage device 1508.

Processor 1502 may execute computer-executable instructions forimplementing aspects of the disclosure. In some embodiments, processor1502 may be transformed into a special purpose microprocessor byexecuting computer-executable instructions or by otherwise beingprogrammed. For example, processor 1502 may be programmed with theinstruction such as those illustrated in FIGS. 11, 12, and 13.

Memory areas 1504 and 116 (shown in FIG. 1) may include, but are notlimited to, random access memory (RAM) such as dynamic RAM (DRAM) orstatic RAM (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmableread-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-onlymemory (EEPROM), and non-volatile RAM (NVRAM). The above memory typesare example only, and are thus not limiting as to the types of memoryusable for storage of a computer program.

Exemplary Embodiments & Functionality

In one aspect, an enterprise communication computing device forinitiating communication between a group of computing devices may beprovided. The enterprise communication computing device may include aprocessor in communication with a memory device and a communicationinterface. The communication interface may include a plurality ofmodules including a telephonic communication module for cellulartelephonic communication with remote computing devices. Thecommunication interface may also include a text-based messaging modulefor cellular text-based communication with remote computing devices.

The processor may be programmed to (i) generate a user interface forexecution on the enterprise communication computing device, the userinterface including a display with a plurality of icons, each iconrepresentative of a corresponding module of the plurality of modules,(ii) receive, from within the user interface executed on the enterprisecommunication computing device, a user selection of a first icon of theplurality of icons, the first icon representative of a first module ofplurality of modules, (iii) execute the first module represented by theselected first icon, (iv) receive user input defining a message to besent using the first module and including one or more user identifiersidentifying a respective one or more intended recipients of the messageto be sent, (v) generate an input field enabling user entry of aplurality of response options, each response option responsive tocontent of the content message to be sent, (vi) receive user input ofthe plurality of response options, (vii) format the plurality ofresponse options to generate a response-request portion of the contentmessage to be sent including the plurality of response options in adrop-down menu, (viii) transmit, via the first module, the contentmessage to a respective recipient computing device associated with eachintended recipient, the content message including the content and theresponse-request portion, wherein receipt of the content message at arecipient computing device causes the recipient computing device todisplay the drop-down menu including the plurality of response optionswithin a respective user interface of the recipient computing device,and/or (ix) receive, from one or more of the recipient computingdevices, a response message including a selected response option fromthe plurality of response options.

One enhancement may be where the processor is further programmed totransmit, to a remote data source, a respective reporting messageassociated with each received response message. Each reporting messagemay include at least one of the response message and an indicator of theselected response option included within the response message. Receiptof the response message may cause the remote data source to store thereporting message as a data structure in a storage location indexed byat least one of (i) a device identifier of the enterprise communicationcomputing device and/or (ii) a unique identifier associated with thecontent message

Another enhancement may be where the processor is further programmed to(a) transmit, the remote data source, a report request requesting areport of all received response messages, the report request includingthe at least one of (i) the device identifier of the enterprisecommunication computing device and (ii) the unique identifier associatedwith the content message, wherein receipt of the report request causesthe remote data source to retrieve all data structures of reportingmessages in the storage location and generate a report including asummary of all selected response options, (b) receive, from the remotedata source, a report response message including the report includingthe summary of all selected response options formatted as at least oneof a bar chart and a pie chart, and/or (c) display the report includingthe formatted response options within the user interface executed on theenterprise communication computing device.

Another enhancement may be where the processor is further programmed to(i) generate a group identifier associated with the one or more intendedrecipients of the content message, and/or (ii) store, in at least one ofthe memory device and the remote data source, a data structureassociating the group identifier with a group of device identifiers ofuser computing devices associated with each intended recipient.

Another enhancement may be where the content message is a first contentmessage, and where the processor is further programmed to (i) receive auser selection of a recipient entry field associated with a secondcontent message, (ii) receive user input of the group identifier, (iii)retrieve, from the at least one of the memory device and the remote datasource, the group of device identifiers, and/or (iv) populate therecipient entry field with the group of device identifiers.

Another enhancement may be where the processor is further programmed to(i) receive user input indicating a request to modify the group ofdevice identifiers, (ii) receive user selection of a first deviceidentifier of the group of device identifiers, (iii) receive user inputindicating deletion of the first device identifier and/or (iv) update,in the at least one of the memory device and the remote data source, thegroup of identifiers stored in the data structure by removing the firstdevice identifier from the group of identifiers.

A further enhancement may be where the processor is further programmedto (i) receive user input indicating a request to modify the group ofdevice identifiers, (ii) receive user input of a new intended recipient,and/or (iii) update, in the at least one of the memory device and theremote data source, the group of identifiers stored in the datastructure by adding a new device identifier associated with a usercomputing device of the new intended recipient to the group ofidentifiers.

A further enhancement may be where the processor is further programmedto (i) transmit, to a remote data source, a query including one or moreuser identifiers associated with each of the intended recipients of thecontent message and/or (ii) receive, from the remote data source, arespective recipient device identifiers of each recipient computingdevice, each recipient computing device associated with a respective oneof the intended recipients of the content message, wherein eachrecipient identifier includes a unique non-telephonic-based identifierassociated with the respective recipient computing device. To transmitthe content message, the processor may further be programmed totransmit, via the first module, the content message to each recipientcomputing device identified based upon the received recipient deviceidentifiers.

In another aspect, a computer-implemented method of initiatingcommunication between groups of computing devices may be provided. Themethod may be implemented using an enterprise communication computingdevice including a processor in communication with a memory device and acommunication interface. The communication interface may include aplurality of modules including (i) a telephonic communication module forcellular telephonic communication with remote computing devices, and(ii) a text-based messaging module for cellular text-based communicationwith remote computing devices.

The method may include: (i) generating a user interface for execution onthe enterprise communication computing device, the user interfaceincluding a display with a plurality of icons, each icon representativeof a corresponding module of the plurality of modules, (ii) receiving,from within the user interface executed on the enterprise communicationcomputing device, a user selection of a first icon of the plurality oficons, the first icon representative of a first module of plurality ofmodules, (iii) executing the first module represented by the selectedfirst icon, (iv) receiving user input defining a content message to besent using the first module and including one or more user identifiersidentifying a respective one or more intended recipients of the contentmessage to be sent, (v) generating an input field enabling user entry ofa plurality of response options, each response option responsive tocontent of the content message to be sent, (vi) receiving user input ofthe plurality of response options, (vii) formatting the plurality ofresponse options to generate a response-request portion of the contentmessage to be sent including the plurality of response options in adrop-down menu, (viii) transmitting, via the first module, the contentmessage to a respective recipient computing device associated with eachintended recipient, the content message including the content and theresponse-request portion, wherein receipt of the content message at arecipient computing device causes the recipient computing device todisplay the drop-down menu including the plurality of response optionswithin a respective user interface of the recipient computing device,and/or (ix) receiving, from one or more of the recipient computingdevices, a response message including a selected response option fromthe plurality of response options.

In yet another aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium thatincludes computer-executable instructions may be provided. When executedby an enterprise communication computing device comprising at least oneprocessor in communication with at least one memory device and acommunication interface, the communication interface including aplurality of modules including (i) a telephonic communication module forcellular telephonic communication with remote computing devices, and(ii) a text-based messaging module for cellular text-based communicationwith remote computing devices, the executable instructions may cause theat least one processor to: (i) generate a user interface for executionon the enterprise communication computing device, the user interfaceincluding a display with a plurality of icons, each icon representativeof a corresponding module of the plurality of modules, (ii) receive,from within the user interface executed on the enterprise communicationcomputing device, a user selection of a first icon of the plurality oficons, the first icon representative of a first module of plurality ofmodules, (iii) execute the first module represented by the selectedfirst icon, (iv) receive user input defining a message to be sent usingthe first module and including one or more user identifiers identifyinga respective one or more intended recipients of the message to be sent,(v) generate an input field enabling user entry of a plurality ofresponse options, each response option responsive to content of thecontent message to be sent, (vi) receive user input of the plurality ofresponse options, (vii) format the plurality of response options togenerate a response-request portion of the content message to be sentincluding the plurality of response options in a drop-down menu, (viii)transmit, via the first module, the content message to a respectiverecipient computing device associated with each intended recipient, thecontent message including the content and the response-request portion,wherein receipt of the content message at a recipient computing devicecauses the recipient computing device to display the drop-down menuincluding the plurality of response options within a respective userinterface of the recipient computing device, and/or (ix) receive, fromone or more of the recipient computing devices, a response messageincluding a selected response option from the plurality of responseoptions.

Machine Learning & Other Matters

The computer-implemented methods discussed herein may includeadditional, less, or alternate actions, including those discussedelsewhere herein. The methods may be implemented via one or more localor remote processors, transceivers, and/or sensors (such as processors,transceivers, and/or sensors mounted on vehicles or mobile devices, orassociated with smart infrastructure or remote servers), and/or viacomputer-executable instructions stored on non-transitorycomputer-readable media or medium.

Additionally, the computer systems discussed herein may includeadditional, less, or alternate functionality, including that discussedelsewhere herein. The computer systems discussed herein may include orbe implemented via computer-executable instructions stored onnon-transitory computer-readable media or medium.

A processor or a processing element may be trained using supervised orunsupervised machine learning, and the machine learning program mayemploy a neural network, which may be a convolutional neural network, adeep learning neural network, a reinforced or reinforcement learningmodule or program, or a combined learning module or program that learnsin two or more fields or areas of interest. Machine learning may involveidentifying and recognizing patterns in existing data in order tofacilitate making predictions for subsequent data. Models may be createdbased upon example inputs in order to make valid and reliablepredictions for novel inputs.

Additionally or alternatively, the machine learning programs may betrained by inputting sample (e.g., training) data sets or certain datainto the programs, such as image data of objects to be analyzed,intelligent telematics data, mobile device data, and/or vehicletelematics data. The machine learning programs may utilize deep learningalgorithms that may be primarily focused on pattern recognition, and maybe trained after processing multiple examples. The machine learningprograms may include Bayesian program learning (BPL), voice recognitionand synthesis, image or object recognition, optical characterrecognition, and/or natural language processing—either individually orin combination. The machine learning programs may also include naturallanguage processing, semantic analysis, automatic reasoning, and/orother types of machine learning, such as deep learning, reinforcedlearning, or combined learning. Updated data may feed back into themachine learning programs in real-time to update its set of parameters.

Supervised and unsupervised machine learning techniques may be used. Insupervised machine learning, a processing element may be provided withexample inputs and their associated outputs, and may seek to discover ageneral rule that maps inputs to outputs, so that when subsequent novelinputs are provided the processing element may, based upon thediscovered rule, accurately predict the correct output. In unsupervisedmachine learning, the processing element may be required to find its ownstructure in unlabeled example inputs. The unsupervised machine learningtechniques may include clustering techniques, cluster analysis, anomalydetection techniques, multivariate data analysis, probabilitytechniques, unsupervised quantum learning techniques, associate miningor associate rule mining techniques, and/or the use of neural networks.In some embodiments, semi-supervised learning techniques may beemployed.

Additional Considerations

As will be appreciated based upon the foregoing specification, theabove-described embodiments of the disclosure may be implemented usingcomputer programming or engineering techniques including computersoftware, firmware, hardware or any combination or subset thereof. Anysuch resulting program, having computer-readable code means, may beembodied or provided within one or more computer-readable media, therebymaking a computer program product, e.g., an article of manufacture,according to the discussed embodiments of the disclosure. Thecomputer-readable media may be, for example, but is not limited to, afixed (hard) drive, diskette, optical disk, magnetic tape, semiconductormemory such as read-only memory (ROM), and/or any transmitting/receivingmedium, such as the Internet or other communication network or link. Thearticle of manufacture containing the computer code may be made and/orused by executing the code directly from one medium, by copying the codefrom one medium to another medium, or by transmitting the code over anetwork.

These computer programs (also known as programs, software, softwareapplications, “apps”, or code) include machine instructions for aprogrammable processor, and can be implemented in a high-levelprocedural and/or object-oriented programming language, and/or inassembly/machine language. As used herein, the terms “machine-readablemedium” “computer-readable medium” refers to any computer programproduct, apparatus and/or device (e.g., magnetic discs, optical disks,memory, Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs)) used to provide machineinstructions and/or data to a programmable processor, including amachine-readable medium that receives machine instructions as amachine-readable signal. The “machine-readable medium” and“computer-readable medium,” however, do not include transitory signals.The term “machine-readable signal” refers to any signal used to providemachine instructions and/or data to a programmable processor.

As used herein, a processor may include any programmable systemincluding systems using micro-controllers, reduced instruction setcircuits (RISC), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), logiccircuits, and any other circuit or processor capable of executing thefunctions described herein. The above examples are example only, and arethus not intended to limit in any way the definition and/or meaning ofthe term “processor.”

As used herein, the terms “software” and “firmware” are interchangeable,and include any computer program stored in memory for execution by aprocessor, including RAM memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROMmemory, and non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) memory. The above memory types areexample only, and are thus not limiting as to the types of memory usablefor storage of a computer program.

In one embodiment, a computer program is provided, and the program isembodied on a computer readable medium. In an exemplary embodiment, thesystem is executed on a single computer system, without requiring aconnection to a sever computer. In a further embodiment, the system isbeing run in a Windows® environment (Windows is a registered trademarkof Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Wash.). In yet another embodiment,the system is run on a mainframe environment and a UNIX® serverenvironment (UNIX is a registered trademark of X/Open Company Limitedlocated in Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom). In a further embodiment,the system is run on an iOS® environment (iOS is a registered trademarkof Cisco Systems, Inc. located in San Jose, Calif.). In yet a furtherembodiment, the system is run on a Mac OS® environment (Mac OS is aregistered trademark of Apple Inc. located in Cupertino, Calif.). Instill yet a further embodiment, the system is run on Android® OS(Android is a registered trademark of Google, Inc. of Mountain View,Calif.). In another embodiment, the system is run on Linux® OS (Linux isa registered trademark of Linus Torvalds of Boston, Mass.). Theapplication is flexible and designed to run in various differentenvironments without compromising any major functionality.

In some embodiments, the system includes multiple components distributedamong a plurality of computing devices. One or more components may be inthe form of computer-executable instructions embodied in acomputer-readable medium. The systems and processes are not limited tothe specific embodiments described herein. In addition, components ofeach system and each process can be practiced independent and separatefrom other components and processes described herein. Each component andprocess can also be used in combination with other assembly packages andprocesses.

As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and precededby the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding pluralelements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly recited.Furthermore, references to “example embodiment” or “one embodiment” ofthe present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excludingthe existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate therecited features.

The patent claims at the end of this document are not intended to beconstrued under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless traditionalmeans-plus-function language is expressly recited, such as “means for”or “step for” language being expressly recited in the claim(s).

This written description uses examples to disclose the disclosure,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the disclosure, including making and using any devicesor systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scopeof the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include otherexamples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples areintended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structuralelements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, orif they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantialdifferences from the literal language of the claims.

We claim:
 1. An enterprise communication computing device for initiatingcommunication between a group of computing devices, the enterprisecommunication computing device comprising a processor in communicationwith a memory device and a communication interface, wherein saidcommunication interface comprises a plurality of modules comprising: atelephonic communication module for cellular telephonic communicationwith remote computing devices; and a text-based messaging module forcellular text-based communication with remote computing devices; andwherein said processor is programmed to: generate a user interface forexecution on the enterprise communication computing device, the userinterface including a display with a plurality of icons, each iconrepresentative of a corresponding module of the plurality of modules;receive, from within the user interface executed on the enterprisecommunication computing device, first user input from a sender user, thefirst user input including a user selection of a first icon of theplurality of icons, the first icon representative of a first module ofplurality of modules; execute the first module represented by theselected first icon; receive second user input from the sender user, thesecond user input defining a content message to be sent using the firstmodule; generate an input field enabling user entry of a plurality ofresponse options, wherein each response option includes a text-basedresponse statement that is responsive to the content message to be sent;receive third user input from the sender user, the third user inputincluding the plurality of response options as entered by the senderuser to be presented to each recipient of the content message; formatthe plurality of response options to generate a response-request portionof the content message to be sent including instructions for acorresponding recipient computer device to display the plurality ofresponse options in a drop-down menu including the text-based responsestatements; automatically generate, by applying machine learningtechniques to the content message and based upon an identity of thesender user, as represented by the enterprise communication device, alist of intended recipients of the content message, the list including aplurality of user identifiers identifying a respective plurality ofintended recipients of the content message to be sent; transmit, via thefirst module, the content message to a respective recipient computingdevice associated with each intended recipient of the plurality ofintended recipients included in the automatically generated list, thecontent message including the content and the response-request portion,wherein receipt of the content message at a recipient computing deviceinstructs the recipient computing device to display the drop-down menuincluding the plurality of response options and corresponding text-basedresponse statements within a respective user interface of the recipientcomputing device, and wherein the plurality of response options aredisplayed to enable the recipient to select a response option to respondto the content message; receive, from one or more of the recipientcomputing devices, a notification indicating the content message wasreceived at the respective recipient computing device; receive, from oneor more of the recipient computing devices, a response message includinga selected response option from the plurality of response options;retrieve, from a remote data source, a report including, for eachrecipient computing device, whether the at least one of the notificationand the response message was received; determine, based upon the report,a subset of the recipient computing devices from which no notificationor response message was received; and display, to the sender user on theuser interface executed on the enterprise computing device, a summary ofunresponsive recipients including the subset of recipient computingdevices.
 2. The enterprise communication computing device of claim 1,wherein said processor is further programmed to: transmit, to the remotedata source, a respective reporting message associated with eachreceived notification or response message, each reporting messageincluding at least one of: (a) the notification, or (b) at least one ofthe response message and an indicator of the selected response optionincluded within the response message, wherein receipt of the reportingmessage causes the remote data source to store the reporting message asa data structure in a storage location indexed by at least one of (i) adevice identifier of the enterprise communication computing device and(ii) a unique identifier associated with the content message.
 3. Theenterprise communication computing device of claim 2, wherein, toretrieve the report, said processor is further programmed to: transmit,to the remote data source, a report request requesting the report of allreceived notifications and response messages, the report requestincluding the at least one of (i) the device identifier of theenterprise communication computing device and (ii) the unique identifierassociated with the content message, wherein receipt of the reportrequest causes the remote data source to retrieve all data structures ofreporting messages in the storage location and generate the reportincluding all notifications and a summary of all selected responseoptions; and receive, from the remote data source, a report responsemessage including the report including the notifications and the summaryof all selected response options formatted as at least one of a barchart and a pie chart; and wherein said processor is further programmedto further cause display, to the sender user on the user interfaceexecuted on the enterprise computing device, the report including theformatted response options within the user interface executed on theenterprise communication computing device.
 4. The enterprisecommunication computing device of claim 1, wherein said processor isfurther programmed to: generate a group identifier associated with theplurality of intended recipients of the content message; and store, inat least one of the memory device and the remote data source, a datastructure associating the group identifier with a group of deviceidentifiers of user computing devices associated with each intendedrecipient.
 5. The enterprise communication computing device of claim 4,wherein the content message is a first content message, wherein saidprocessor is further programmed to: receive a user selection of arecipient entry field associated with a second content message; receiveuser input of the group identifier; retrieve, from the at least one ofthe memory device and the remote data source, the group of deviceidentifiers; and populate the recipient entry field with the group ofdevice identifiers.
 6. The enterprise communication computing device ofclaim 5, wherein said processor is further programmed to: receive userinput indicating a request to modify the group of device identifiers;receive user selection of a first device identifier of the group ofdevice identifiers; receive user input indicating deletion of the firstdevice identifier; and update, in the at least one of the memory deviceand the remote data source, the group of device identifiers stored inthe data structure by removing the first device identifier from thegroup of device identifiers.
 7. The enterprise communication computingdevice of claim 5, wherein said processor is further programmed to:receive user input indicating a request to modify the group of deviceidentifiers; receive user input of a new intended recipient; and update,in the at least one of the memory device and the remote data source, thegroup of device identifiers stored in the data structure by adding a newdevice identifier associated with a user computing device of the newintended recipient to the group of device identifiers.
 8. The enterprisecommunication computing device of claim 1, wherein said processor isfurther programmed to: transmit, to a remote data source, a queryincluding a plurality of user identifiers associated with each of theplurality of intended recipients of the content message; and receive,from the remote data source, a respective recipient device identifier ofeach recipient computing device, each recipient computing deviceassociated with a respective one of the plurality of intended recipientsof the content message, wherein each recipient identifier includes aunique non-telephonic-based identifier associated with the respectiverecipient computing device, wherein to transmit the content message,said processor is further programmed to transmit, via the first module,the content message to each recipient computing device identified basedupon the received recipient device identifiers.
 9. The enterprisecommunication computing device of claim 1, wherein said processor isfurther programmed to: determine, by applying artificial intelligence tothe content message, additional information relevant to the contentmessage; and append the content message with a selectable link that,upon selection of the link by the recipient of the content message,instructs the corresponding recipient computing device to display theadditional information to the recipient.
 10. A method for initiatingcommunication between a group of computing devices, the methodimplemented using an enterprise communication computing device includinga processor in communication with a memory device and a communicationinterface, the communication interface including a plurality of modulesincluding (i) a telephonic communication module for cellular telephoniccommunication with remote computing devices, and (ii) a text-basedmessaging module for cellular text-based communication with remotecomputing devices, the method including: generating a user interface forexecution on the enterprise communication computing device, the userinterface including a display with a plurality of icons, each iconrepresentative of a corresponding module of the plurality of modules;receiving, from within the user interface executed on the enterprisecommunication computing device, first user input from a sender user, thefirst user input including a user selection of a first icon of theplurality of icons, the first icon representative of a first module ofplurality of modules; executing the first module represented by theselected first icon; receiving second user input from the sender user,the second user input defining a content message to be sent using thefirst module; generating an input field enabling user entry of aplurality of response options, wherein each response option includes atext-based response statement that is responsive to the content messageto be sent; receiving third user input from the sender user, the thirduser input including the plurality of response options as entered by thesender user to be presented to each recipient of the content message;formatting the plurality of response options to generate aresponse-request portion of the content message to be sent includinginstructions for a corresponding recipient computer device to displaythe plurality of response options in a drop-down menu including thetext-based response statements; automatically generating, by applyingmachine learning techniques to the content message and based upon anidentity of the sender user, as represented by the enterprisecommunication device, a list of intended recipients of the contentmessage, the list including a plurality of user identifiers identifyinga respective plurality of intended recipients of the content message tobe sent; transmitting, via the first module, the content message to arespective recipient computing device associated with each intendedrecipient of the plurality of intended recipients included in theautomatically generated list, the content message including the contentand the response-request portion, wherein receipt of the content messageat a recipient computing device instructs the recipient computing deviceto display the drop-down menu including the plurality of responseoptions and corresponding text-based response statements within arespective user interface of the recipient computing device, and whereinthe plurality of response options are displayed to enable the recipientto select a response option to respond to the content message;receiving, from one or more of the recipient computing devices, anotification indicating the content message was received at therespective recipient computing device; receiving, from one or more ofthe recipient computing devices, a response message including a selectedresponse option from the plurality of response options; retrieving, froma remote data source, a report including, for each recipient computingdevice, whether the at least one of the notification and the responsemessage was received; determining, based upon the report, a subset ofthe recipient computing devices from which no notification or responsemessage was received; and displaying, to the sender user on the userinterface executed on the enterprise computing device, a summary ofunresponsive recipients including the subset of recipient computingdevices.
 11. The method of claim 10 further comprising: transmitting, tothe remote data source, a respective reporting message associated witheach received notification or response message, each reporting messageincluding at least one of: (a) the notification, or (b) at least one ofthe response message and an indicator of the selected response optionincluded within the response message, wherein receipt of the reportingmessage causes the remote data source to store the reporting message asa data structure in a storage location indexed by at least one of (i) adevice identifier of the enterprise communication computing device and(ii) a unique identifier associated with the content message.
 12. Themethod of claim 11, wherein retrieving the report comprises:transmitting, to the remote data source, a report request requesting thereport of all received notifications and response messages, the reportrequest including the at least one of (i) the device identifier of theenterprise communication computing device and (ii) the unique identifierassociated with the content message, wherein receipt of the reportrequest causes the remote data source to retrieve all data structures ofreporting messages in the storage location and generate the reportincluding all notifications and a summary of all selected responseoptions; and receiving, from the remote data source, a report responsemessage including the report including the notifications and the summaryof all selected response options formatted as at least one of a barchart and a pie chart; and said method further comprising furtherdisplaying, to the sender user on the user interface executed on theenterprise computing device, the report including the formatted responseoptions within the user interface executed on the enterprisecommunication computing device.
 13. The method of claim 10 furthercomprising: generating a group identifier associated with the pluralityof intended recipients of the content message; and storing, in at leastone of the memory device and the remote data source, a data structureassociating the group identifier with a group of device identifiers ofuser computing devices associated with each intended recipient.
 14. Themethod of claim 13, wherein the content message is a first contentmessage, the method further comprising: receiving a user selection of arecipient entry field associated with a second content message;receiving user input of the group identifier; retrieving, from the atleast one of the memory device and the remote data source, the group ofdevice identifiers; and populating the recipient entry field with thegroup of device identifiers.
 15. The method of claim 14 furthercomprising: receiving user input indicating a request to modify thegroup of device identifiers; receiving user selection of a first deviceidentifier of the group of device identifiers; receiving user inputindicating deletion of the first device identifier; and updating, in theat least one of the memory device and the remote data source, the groupof device identifiers stored in the data structure by removing the firstdevice identifier from the group of device identifiers.
 16. The methodof claim 14 further comprising: receiving user input indicating arequest to modify the group of device identifiers; receiving user inputof a new intended recipient; and updating, in the at least one of thememory device and the remote data source, the group of deviceidentifiers stored in the data structure by adding a new deviceidentifier associated with a user computing device of the new intendedrecipient to the group of device identifiers.
 17. The method of claim 10further comprising: transmitting, to a remote data source, a queryincluding a plurality of user identifiers associated with each of theplurality of intended recipients of the content message; and receiving,from the remote data source, a respective recipient device identifier ofeach recipient computing device, each recipient computing deviceassociated with a respective one of the plurality of intended recipientsof the content message, wherein each recipient identifier includes aunique non-telephonic-based identifier associated with the respectiverecipient computing device, wherein transmitting the content messagecomprises transmitting, via the first module, the content message toeach recipient computing device identified based upon the receivedrecipient device identifiers.
 18. A non-transitory computer-readablemedium that includes computer-executable instructions, wherein whenexecuted by an enterprise communication computing device comprising atleast one processor in communication with at least one memory device anda communication interface, the communication interface including aplurality of modules including (i) a telephonic communication module forcellular telephonic communication with remote computing devices, and(ii) a text-based messaging module for cellular text-based communicationwith remote computing devices, the computer-executable instructionscause the at least one processor to: generate a user interface forexecution on the enterprise communication computing device, the userinterface including a display with a plurality of icons, each iconrepresentative of a corresponding module of the plurality of modules;receive, from within the user interface executed on the enterprisecommunication computing device, first user input from a sender user, thefirst user input including a user selection of a first icon of theplurality of icons, the first icon representative of a first module ofplurality of modules; execute the first module represented by theselected first icon; receive second user input from the sender user, thesecond user input defining a content message to be sent using the firstmodule; generate an input field enabling user entry of a plurality ofresponse options, wherein each response option includes a text-basedresponse statement that is responsive to the content message to be sent;receive third user input from the sender user, the third user inputincluding the plurality of response options as entered by the senderuser to be presented to each recipient of the content message; formatthe plurality of response options to generate a response-request portionof the content message to be sent including instructions for acorresponding recipient computer device to display the plurality ofresponse options in a drop-down menu including the text-based responsestatements; automatically generate, by applying machine learningtechniques to the content message and based upon an identity of thesender user, as represented by the enterprise communication device, alist of intended recipients of the content message, the list including aplurality of user identifiers identifying a respective plurality ofintended recipients of the content message to be sent; transmit, via thefirst module, the content message to a respective recipient computingdevice associated with each intended recipient of the plurality ofintended recipients included in the automatically generated list, thecontent message including the content and the response-request portion,wherein receipt of the content message at a recipient computing devicecauses the recipient computing device to display the drop-down menuincluding the plurality of response options and corresponding text-basedresponse statements within a respective user interface of the recipientcomputing device, and wherein the plurality of response options aredisplayed to enable the recipient to select a response option to respondto the content message; receive, from one or more of the recipientcomputing devices, a notification indicating the content message wasreceived at the respective recipient computing device; receive, from oneor more of the recipient computing devices, a response message includinga selected response option from the plurality of response options;retrieve, from a remote data source, a report including, for eachrecipient computing device, whether the at least one of the notificationand the response message was received; determine, based upon the report,a subset of the recipient computing devices from which no notificationor response message was received; and display, to the sender user on theuser interface executed on the enterprise computing device, a summary ofunresponsive recipients including the subset of recipient computingdevices.
 19. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 18,wherein the computer-executable instructions further cause the at leastone processor to: transmit, to the remote data source, a respectivereporting message associated with each received notification or responsemessage, each reporting message including at least one of: (a) thenotification, or (b) at least one of the response message and anindicator of the selected response option included within the responsemessage, wherein receipt of the reporting message causes the remote datasource to store the reporting message as a data structure in a storagelocation indexed by at least one of (i) a device identifier of theenterprise communication computing device and (ii) a unique identifierassociated with the content message, and wherein, to retrieve thereport, the computer-executable instructions further cause the at leastone processor to: transmit, to the remote data source, a report requestrequesting the report of all received notifications and responsemessages, the report request including the at least one of (i) thedevice identifier of the enterprise communication computing device and(ii) the unique identifier associated with the content message, whereinreceipt of the report request causes the remote data source to retrieveall data structures of reporting messages in the storage location andgenerate the report including all notifications and a summary of allselected response options; and receive, from the remote data source, areport response message including the report including the notificationsand the summary of all selected response options formatted as at leastone of a bar chart and a pie chart; and wherein the computer-executableinstructions further cause the at least one processor to furtherdisplay, to the sender user on the user interface executed on theenterprise computing device, the report including the formatted responseoptions within the user interface executed on the enterprisecommunication computing device.
 20. The non-transitory computer-readablemedium of claim 18, wherein the computer-executable instructions furthercause the at least one processor to: transmit, to a remote data source,a query including a plurality of user identifiers associated with eachof the plurality of intended recipients of the content message; andreceive, from the remote data source, a respective recipient deviceidentifier of each recipient computing device, each recipient computingdevice associated with a respective one of the plurality of intendedrecipients of the content message, wherein each recipient identifierincludes a unique non-telephonic-based identifier associated with therespective recipient computing device, wherein to transmit the contentmessage, the computer-executable instructions further cause the at leastone processor to transmit, via the first module, the content message toeach recipient computing device identified based upon the receivedrecipient device identifiers.